Data center referendum

Read from a local blog criticizing the city's handling of the data center proposal, citing consolidation of administrative power, vague answers on costs, and overrides of the advisory committee on appointees.

Questioned whether the redevelopment committee did due diligence with fourth ward residents, noting 600 jobs versus GM's 4,000 and objecting to a hyperscale data center in an urban area; supported the referendum.

Thanked council members who put the petition on the agenda, criticized the city staff memo's warnings, and urged adoption of the ordinance or referral to the April ballot.

An organizer with the petition effort, described collecting 4,600 signatures in freezing holiday conditions and asked the council to honor residents' demand for a say.

Described her research on data center fights across Wisconsin and urged the council to adopt the ordinance immediately or send it to the April ballot, as Port Washington did.

Said she collected signatures out of love for the city and asked the council to pass the ordinance unaltered or send it to the spring election.

Spoke briefly to show support for the petition and urge the council to consider the speakers' passion for having a say.

Disputed the city memo's cost figures, argued large projects could fit under the $450 million threshold, and urged adoption of the ordinance or an April referendum.

Thanked the council members who put the item on the agenda and urged curiosity and a path to an April referendum.

Referenced the clerk-treasurer's memo outlining three options and asked the council to adopt the ordinance unaltered, or failing that, place it on the spring ballot.